a poser store, nonetheless. It attempts to sell the "punk look" which is stupid, mainly because there is no "punk look" and the "punk look" they try to sell is the bastardized punk look from bands from the sex pistols and onward. If you shop there and give them the sales, then you are giving in to the fucks and are a poser.

poser: "Im being myself by shopping here"
me: "no you arent you're giving into corporate america and even if youre buying bands that are good you're still a poser for giving into a place that gives a wrong idea of what punk is."
poser: "come on, hot topic is just a store"
me: "Hitler was just a person, you know"

A store that sells clothing and accessories for those not inclined to shop at places like Abercrombie and Fitch or Hollister. They sell a bit darker variety of items, all of which are just as over-priced as before-mentioned retailers.

Gothic Girl #1: Eww..look at all those preppies coming out of A & F with their 20$ T-Shirts and $80 jeans.
Gothic Girl #2: I know! We'll never be as stupid as them. Now let's go shop at Hot Topic!
(after shopping) Gothic Girl #1: I found a lot of great stuff in there today!
Gothic Girl #2: yeah, me too. I just love my new $5 shoelaces, $70 skirt, and $80 pair of sneakers!